Story

On the early morning of January 31, we left with a group of 39 men / women to Tunisia for an eight-day tour. Upon arrival it became clear that Tunisia  was quite modern. The new airport Enfihda looked very modern and efficient. After arriving at the hotel we explored the area and we made an afternoon trip to Monastir to visit the tomb of Gabib Bourghida and the Ribat (fortified monastery) across the street.

The next day, the tour really began. After a drive of about two hours, we first visited the medina (old city) of Tunis. Next we visited the Musee de Bardo. I believe that I have never seen so many mosaics together. After that we visited Carthage, from which, unfortunately, not much was left after two destructive attacks in ancient history. The bathhouse however was certainly worth a visit. The day ended at picturesque Sidi Bou Said, an artists' village on the Bay of Tunis.

Day three of the trip was mostly dedicated to Dougga, the most important Roman city of Tunisia, at least, it is one of the best preserved. The theater, the Mercury temple and water storage were in good condition as well as the bathhouse and latrine (public toilet). Also, many city streets were in perfect condition. In the evening we arrived in the city of Kairouan, with its beautiful old medina where time seems to have come to a stand-still.

The next morning we drove further south. We visited Sbeitla, which was the capital of this part of the Byzantine empire after the destruction of Carthage by Arabic tribes. It was also famous for it's well preserved Roman templesAfter visiting Sbeitla the landscape became dry and hostile with only some small vegetation. We drove through the desert to Touzeur. Touzeur is located in a very large oasis where the shadow of half a million palm trees is used to grow crops. These are watered through an ingenious irrigation system. After that we toured through old town of Touzeur which is characterized by its beautiful decorative brick constructions.

The next morning we drove further into the desert, to the giant salt lake Chott el Djerit. At some places, there were some basins still filled with water which, under the influence of the minerals in the salt, adapt different colors. In the afternoon we arrived in Douz. Here we could go for a camel ride or a horse-wagon ride. Even a trip with a hang glider was possible. This was the edge of a white sand desert with smal but distinctive white sanddunes.

The next day we first visited a cattle market where sheep goats, chickens and camels were traded. After that we drove to Matmata and we visited a troglodyte, an underground, excavated house. Since we still had time hereafter, we even were able to visit the Sidi Driss Hotel which is also located under the ground. In this place, various scenes from the Star Wars films have been recorded. This hotel formed the homestead where Luke Skywalker grew up. There was of course a small Star Wars exhibition and a plotted route through it. After a panoramic view of the surrounding lunar-like landscape, we drove to Gabes to visit the Spice Market. In the evening we arrived at Sfax.

The next morning we visited Sfax. Because this city is not as touristic, the Medina is not dominated by souvenir shops but here, you see life as it really has been for a long time. We continued to El Djem where we visited the famous amphitheater with the same name. This is a large Roman theater which could seat 35,000 spectators. Also, it is very well preserved. This biggest amphitheater of Africa has therefore been put on the world heritage list. Shortly after midday, we arrived in Port el Kantanoui where we unfortunately had to say goodbye to our excellent guide. Thanks Annisa! That afternoon we took a taxi to Sousse for a visit of the medina and a big state souvenir shop. In the medina we got a spontaneous tour of an old man who showed us some things located off the beaten track.

Early the next morning, unfortunately, we had to say farewell to this beautiful country. In the afternoon I was back home and this trip was unfortunately over. This was really a nice trip into a beautiful country which I would recommend it to everyone!